Summer means sunshine, beaches, and a three-month-long vacation – or does it? It’s been years since many of us have had the freedom to do absolutely nothing – or absolutely everything – in the summer. With work, internships, school, and the other miscellaneous responsibilities college can bring, it’s hard to actually enjoy our summer vacations for what they really are: vacations! What’s a collegiette™ to do? Take weekend trips, of course! So here it is, ladies: the ultimate list of weekend getaways that will rejuvenate you for the following week without draining your bank account.
Destination: Cape Cod, Mass.
Easy to Go From: Boston, Mass.; Albany, N.Y.; New York, N.Y.; Providence, R.I.; Portsmouth, N.H.; Augusta, Maine; Montpelier, Vt.; Hartford, Conn. … or anywhere in New England!
Why: For all you New Englanders out there (or for those of you who are honorary New Englanders for the summer), don’t end your summer without making a trip to the Cape. As a native Bostonian, I’ve spent many a summer on Cape Cod’s beautiful shores. The Cape is a great choice for a collegiette™ because, unlike its island neighbors Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard, it can be much more affordable. Obviously, it depends on where in the Cape you want to visit (Chatham is probably too steep for a collegiette’s™ budget), but some of the younger, more vibrant areas can be found in Falmouth and Provincetown, which happen to be on completely different ends of the Cape.
What to do: Aside from laying on the beach, check out the free concerts from the Citizens Bank Summer Concert Series, five days a week in eight different towns, and the old-fashioned drive-in movie theaters (Wellfleet has a great drive-in). HC contributing writer Alaine Perconti, who is planning her own weekend trip to the Cape with her friends. So what are you waiting for?
What to Bring: Don’t forget your bathing suit … and maybe a few of your preppiest polos.
When to Go: The Atlantic Ocean is pretty frigid in June and the beginning of July, but it gets a little less icy by the end of July and August. If you decide to go for the Fourth of July – which can be fun with the many parades and firework displays to choose from – just be aware that this is when the Cape is at its busiest, so plan ahead.
